PRO WRESTLING: WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, 2K make two annoucements

The video game company 2K recently made two announcements during a conference call with Vice President of Marketing Chris Snyder and WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan.

First was the latest downloadable content for “WWE 2K15” video game. 2K Showcase: Path of the Warrior allows gamers to step in the legendary shoes of the Ultimate Warrior, who passed away last year.

The journey begins with his Intercontinental title win over the Honky Tonk Man at SummerSlam 1988. This gaming mode features battles with 10 of Warrior’s most memorable opponents in eight different matches including Rick Rude, Andre the Giant, Sgt. Slaughter and Hunter Hearst Helmsley. In addition, the latest in 2K Showcase story mode provides access to ring announcer Howard Finkel, Paul Bearer, Sherri, Sid Justice and General Adnan, as well as playable arenas where many of those big collisions occurred.

Among them is WrestleMania VI, the event the Ultimate Warrior won the WWE championship against Hogan in front of a record crowd (including Adam Copeland) inside Toronto’s SkyDome.

Never miss a local story.

Sign up today for a free 30 day free trial of unlimited digital access.

“I knew I was in for the fight of my life,” the Hulkster said. “I could see the changing of the guard already in place before getting in the ring. I could see the fans start to gravitate toward Warrior’s charisma and magnetism…. He was the most intense, energy-driven wrestler I’ve ever been around. His energy encompassed what this business was all about, this business of sports entertainment. Everything he did off camera, the energy in his eyes when he met the Make-A-Wish kids and went to the hospitals and met members of the military…He made people come back to life. He put a smile on their face. I think it was his energy that was the driving force behind him.”

Snyder also unveiled plans for the “WWE 2K,” the company’s first simulation based WWE video game for mobile platforms. Currently scheduled to become available for iOS and Android devices spring 2015, the game is inspired by the releases found on consoles. John Cena, Sting, The Undertaker, Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns are just some of the top names expected to be part of the roster. The game will have three match types, full superstar ring entrances, comprehensive move sets, career mode, Create-a-Superstar, live multiplayer matches and un-lockable rewards.

Hogan recalled the first time he was told he would be in a WWE videogame many years ago.

“Back in the day I was the first WWE superstar to be on the cover of those old videogames,” he said. “I was excited, but I didn’t really comprehend it back in the day. When they started talking about videogames and stuff like that I thought they were talking about Pac-Man.”

Hogan’s drive to compete remains. Fans who watched WrestleMania 31 were shocked to find the iconic figure make a surprise appearance during Sting’s match with Triple H alongside his former nWo running mates Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. They are ready to conquer once again.

“There is a lot of life left in us,” Hogan said. “We got one of largest pops of the night when we came out. There is a lot of unfinished business. There are things we are planning on for Wrestle Mania next year, as WWE is looking to break my indoor attendance record of 94,000 people. Going into AT&T Stadium in Dallas where the Cowboys play, there is a huge opportunity to have over a 100,000 in that building next year.

“So we are going to make sure to dominate. Our plans are set in that we are working backwards. We are looking at Wrestle Mania and taking control of WWE just like we did another company out of business…

“First guy I would drag into the NWO and make him take a walk on the dark side would be John Cena because he is halfway there already…I would like to get the Big Show back on track and slap him in the face and make him realize he is still a giant. Those would be my two top picks if I could pick anyone on the roster.”

Despite the help of the nWo fighting off interference from D-Generation X’s Billy Gunn, Road Dogg and X-Pac, Sting lost to Triple H in his debut at WrestleMania. Hogan feels Sting got a rude awakening working the “big stage” for the first time.

“I’ve been around Sting a lot,” Hogan said. “I’ve been in some big matches with him, some of the bigger WCW pay-per-views, but when you step into a WWE ring the whole dynamic changes. Breathing and heart beats just race out of control. You have to control, mind, body and spirit.

“…He had a great performance, but he has to raise the bar in WWE. I think he got a real good lesson that everything he brought to the ring wasn’t enough. He has to regroup, think about what he wants because if he is going to move forward in WWE he has to be at the top of his game. So I hope he is ready…I think he is going to have to reassess what he wants in life, especially in WWE.”

- 2K Showcase: Path of the Warrior is available today for $9.99 as well as through the “WWE 2K15” Season Pass program. Look for “WWE 2K” on mobile devices spring 2015 for $7.99.